Green Moray Eel

Gymnothorax funebris

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The green moray is actually brown! The yellow tint of the mucus that covers its body, in combination with the drab background color, gives the fish its namesake green color

The moray’s muscular, scaleless body is laterally compressed (flattened side to side).

The moray eel is considered a “true” eel, classified in the Order Anguilliformes. Like other true eels, the moray’s dorsal fin begins just behind its head, extends along the length of its body and is fused with the caudal (tail) and anal fins. The moray eel also lacks both pelvic and pectoral fins.

With long, scaleless bodies, green moray eels are often feared and mistaken for sea serpents.

Green morays are sedentary predators with strong teeth. Rather than hunting for food, they wait until food comes to them.

Part of their vicious reputation may come from the fact that they habitually open and close their mouths, which shows off their sharp teeth. Although this behavior may appear threatening, the eel is actually taking in water to breathe. The water passes over the gills and exits through vent-like openings at the back of the head.

Population Status

Predators

Jack CoverGeneral Curator

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A Note From the Caretaker

During the daytime, green morays are sedentary or sit-and-wait predators. At night, they are more active, hunting through the reef for their meal.